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Blackjack

Beat the dealer to 21, bet your chips, hit, stand or double down. Blackjack pays 3:2.

Blackjack rules, tactics & how to play

Learn the rules of Blackjack and the basic strategy that gives you the best odds against the dealer, then play the table above.

Rules & how to play

The goal

Get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Going over 21 is a bust and an instant loss.

Card values

  • Number cards are worth their face value.
  • Jack, Queen and King are each worth 10.
  • An Ace is worth 11 or 1, whichever helps your hand more.

Your options

  • Hit: take another card.
  • Stand: keep your total and end your turn.
  • Double down: double your bet, take exactly one more card, then stand.

The dealer then reveals their hand and must keep hitting until they reach 17 or more.

Basic strategy

Play against the dealer's up-card

Your best move depends on the dealer's visible card. When the dealer shows a weak card (2 to 6) they are more likely to bust, so you can stand on modest totals. When they show a strong card (7 to Ace) you usually need to hit more aggressively.

Simple rules that cover most hands

  • Always stand on a hard 17 or higher.
  • Always hit a hard total of 8 or lower.
  • Stand on 12 to 16 when the dealer shows 2 to 6; otherwise hit.
  • Double down on 11, and on 10 when the dealer shows 9 or lower.

These are odds, not guarantees. Basic strategy shrinks the house edge but cannot remove the luck of the draw.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play Blackjack?

Try to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Cards are worth their face value, face cards are 10, and an Ace is 11 or 1. On your turn you can hit for another card, stand to keep your total, or double down. The dealer then hits until reaching at least 17.

What is basic strategy in Blackjack?

Basic strategy is the mathematically best action for every hand based on your total and the dealer's up-card. For example, always stand on hard 17 or more, hit hard 8 or less, and stand on 12 to 16 only when the dealer shows 2 to 6. It gives you the lowest possible house edge.

When should you double down?

Double down when you have a strong chance to improve with one card. The clearest cases are a total of 11, and a total of 10 when the dealer shows a 9 or lower. Doubling doubles your bet in exchange for exactly one more card.

Is Blackjack luck or skill?

Both. The cards you are dealt are luck, but your decisions to hit, stand or double are skill. Playing correct basic strategy meaningfully improves your long-term results compared with guessing.